Leftovers “On The Move” 8.00
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Leftovers “Party Tonight” 10.00
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The Leftovers: ‘Party Tonight’ vs. ‘On The Move’

If the Leftovers were around when I was in high school I would have gotten laid a lot more. Perfect for mix tapes and midnight serenades the Leftover have proven to be a pop-punk force to be reckoned with. Charisma, talent, little boy innocence and funny hair. These things are the key ingredients to the flawless formula that is pop-punk and the Leftovers are cookin!
‘Party Tonight’ was a very definitive record for this band. Before that they weren’t a pop-punk household name but now, they’re helping pay the mortgage. The record has it all from fuzzed out guitars bopping along to pin point vocals that run around holding your hand. A slight reminiscence to what the Beatles may have sounded like if they took a stab at this genre.
Slipping in and out of harmonies, Kurt and Andrew take turns fronting songs. The switch-hitting vocals sound very natural. Some bands have different songs for different singers, but here, both singers have distinct vocal qualities but nothing is lost musically. If you’re not fond of one, you’ll love the other. But both are quality!
I haven’t talked about Adam, the drummer, and quite possibly the nicest person in punk rock. Does anyone remember the feeling you got when you were a child and you wanted something and you finally got it. I mean, this was something really big and important to you. Now close your eyes and picture that moment and try and feel the way you did then. Got it? Okay, this feeling is Adam on stage. The love for the music pours from this kid. Adam rounds out the band with killer instinct and a steady hand. The type of drumming that gets under your skin, right around your rib cage and you find your heart beating a little poppier.
Overall a great record that has something for everyone—Pop Songs, Punk Songs, Love Songs, Everybody Songs, Nobody Songs. The reason it stands out to me is the real QUALITY of the songwriting and lyrics. They are not fucking around. They will not go away anytime soon. There is real talent here and we should be lucky that they play pop punk. You can’t really compare this record to anything relevant but they are following the proud tradition of New England Punk Bands such as the Guts, Prozacs, ergs, and Queers, but setting their own goals and making up their own rules.
‘On the Move’ is a pop masterpiece. Production was taken thru the roof and they held back nothing in the songwriting. The Leftovers really sound free to be their own band on this record. They got the approval of the fans on the road with ‘Party Tonight’ and gained a little confidence along the way.
Tighter vocals, more complicated riffs and drum fills—this record is the natural progression of the Leftovers. They pull it off effortlessly. Fans of witty, smart singing & choppy, fuzz fuzz sing-along will love this record.
As far as comparing the two records, ‘Party Tonight’ seemed to tackle more personal issues where ‘On the Move’ shows the band getting comfortable writing and playing good tunes. “Party Tonight” is an all around great record with a little of something for everyone who likes punk music. The songwriting on “Party Tonight” seemed more honest and the production value made the band seem like they were trying hard to make a good record. I just don’t understand why there wasn’t a transition from good to GREAT. Did I miss a split 7″ with the Guts? Live, they are still the same band with another pocketful of songs. But the records are hard to compare b/c of the levels they are on, production wise. “Party Tonight” was very nicely done but there is a definite upgrade for “On the Move”. I guess the best thing I could say about the two records is that “Party Tonight” is a GREAT pop-punk record and “On the Move” is a great pop record. The progression of the band is good. The songwriting is good. But sometimes, you don’t want things to be so “good”. Have a listen for yourself.

Review By Ryan Rude

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